Legal Question in Family Law in Utah

Can a sister over 18 yrs get legal custody of her sibling?

I am in quite a bind. My mother currently has legal and physical custody over my little sister (she will be 13 in September), and my mom is not fit to be called a mother. She has been, among many other things, anorexic and bulimic throughout her life. She is now instilling this into my little sister. My little sister is not exactly what you would call ''in-shape'', and my mom is actually smaller than her. My mom will take her shopping and make her try on clothes that are too small; then take them and try them on herself, and say ''See? These size of pants could fit you someday.'' or ''Don't you wish you could wear this size? Look how good it looks''. It is absolutely ridiculous. On top of all of that, my mother will not let my little sister show anger in any way. She will find someway to say that my little sister's anger is ''disrespectful'' and that it is unacceptable. As a direct result of this, my little sister has turned to cutting herself. She has also phoned me several times saying that she is going to run away doesn't care what happens to her. She has expressed feeling that she thinks that I am her rightful mother, and that she would do anything to be able to live with me. Is there anything I could do to get custody??


Asked on 8/26/05, 5:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Can a sister over 18 yrs get legal custody of her sibling?

Since your sister is into self abuse, you might get assistance from the Division of Child and Family Services. You can find the local number in the blue pages of your telephone book - or look on line.

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Answered on 8/29/05, 11:02 am


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